Allison & Busby has acquired debut crime writer Emily Winslow, described by 'writing buddy' Sophie Hannah as a "precise and expert analyst of the darkest parts of the human psyche".

The two-book deal for UK and Commonwealth rights (excluding Canada) was negotiated with Random House US. Publishing director Susie Dunlop said: "Emily’s books are atmospheric, beautifully written and unusually structured—she is passionate about her work, and meticulous in its execution. I put money on her being a major name in years to come and I couldn't be more thrilled to have secured her first two books for the A&B list."

Winslow now lives in Cambridge, and her detective novels are set in and around Cambridge, Ely and The Fens. The first novel The Whole World will be published as a paperback original in June 2013 alongside her new hardback The Start of Everything.